The Lemosho Route is one of the best options for climbing Kilimanjaro. The route provides plenty of time for acclimatization and takes in the entire scenery of the mountain as it practically traverses it from west to east. The access via the western route requires a bit longer drive to the trail head but is well worth it as you get to drive through some wild country and may even be lucky enough to spot buffalo or an elephant. During the first few days of the trek you will ascend the western flank of the mountain a side of mountain few visitors reach as you ascend through the lowland jungles to the Shira Plateau. After reaching Shira Camp 2 on the third day the remainder of the trek follows the traditional Machame Route and the number of trekkers on the trail increases. The fourth day of trekking is quite helpful for acclimatization as you ascend to the Lava Tower (15,000 feet / 4600m) before descending to the campsite in Barranco Valley. Another day of trekking brings you to the high camp at Barafu, which lies on a barren volcanic plain. Climbers spend the afternoon resting here before making a midnight summit push. It’s a 6 hour slog to the crater rim and another hour of traversing across the rim of the crater to reach Uhuru Peak the final summit and highest point in Africa.
Day 1 - Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp
It is between 3 and 4 hours of driving to reach Londorossi Gate the starting point for the climb. It’s an interesting drive through some remote country so keep your eye out for wildlife. Another few hours of formalities with the park rangers at the gate and you will be on the trail. The trail goes through the lowland forests where you’re likely to spot the large Colobus monkeys which are fairly common.
Day 3 - Shira 2
The first part of the days trek is fairly steep as you climb up out of the jungle and into the moorland ecosystem dominated by Giant Heathers and a variety of grasses and wildflowers. You will first reach Shira Ridge before the trail continues slightly downhill across the broad expanse of the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp for rest and lunch. We then continue on to Shira 2 camp across the Shira Plateau, and are able to admire the Western Breach if the skies are clear. Today’s long day allows us more time to acclimatize at the higher camps with shorter days before our big summit day.
Day 4 - Barranco Camp
Leaving Shira 2 in the morning you climb towards the main peak Kibo, with the western glaciers clearly visible across the rugged high-altitude desert of volcanic rocks and boulders. The trail ascends to the Lava Tower site (15000 feet / 4600m) before descending back down into Barranco Valley. The area before the campsite is known as the “Garden of the Senecios”, which features many huge senecio plants as well as the shorter lobelia plants. Its 7 to 8 hours walking and the total ascent is only 110m total but having climbed much higher and dropped back down assists acclimatization.
Day 5 - Karanga Camp
Today consists of a challenging climb up the steep Barranco wall (some scrambling but not technically difficult), easily one of the highlights of the trek. You’ll be able to admire the majestic views at the top before dropping into the Karanga Valley where we will break for lunch and spend the second half of the day resting and acclimatizing.
Day 6 - Barafu High Camp
Today we make our final push to Base Camp, and we see our longer early days paying off on this day. Arriving to Barafu at lunch time allows us to spend the day resting our legs and preparing for the big push to the roof of Africa. After a hearty dinner you will retire to your tents for a little shut eye before we begin our climb at midnight.
Day 7 - Uhuru Peak Altitude
The day starts at midnight with the final push to the summit. It’s a cold and grueling six hour hike to summit rim up a steep slope. The trail is doable but steep with many switchbacks. The summit rim is reached just about sunrise and it’s a fairly level hike around the rim to Uhuru Peak the ultimate summit and highest point in Africa. Going down you will head back to Barafu Hut for a short nap and snacks before continuing down to Mweka camp (3068m / 10,065feet). One of the reasons for such a long day of trekking is to avoid problems with acclimatization and get you back down to a lower elevation quickly.
Day 8 - Mweka Campsite to Moshi
From Mweka campsite it is a 4 to 5 hours descent through the forest to Mweka gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night and to have a final farewell dinner with your guides.
Day 9 - Moshi / Depature Day
| Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees | Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters |
| Mountain tents | 3 meals daily while on the mountain |
| Transportation to & from the mountain gate | Filtered water throughout the trek |
| Sleeping Mats | The portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon the client’s request. |
| Flights |
| Items of a personal nature |
| Laundry Services |
| A doctor for the group |
| Tips to mountain crew |
